Greece 2009: activity holiday guide

From ancient culture to walking, sailing and nature tours, Greece is full of
possibilities for active holidays. Fred Mawer offers a guide.

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Yachts near the shore of Vasiliki in the Greek Ionian Islands, which offer a wealth of opportunities for sailing enthusiasts to appreciate GreecePhoto: GETTY IMAGES

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Whether you want self-guided treks, or accompanied tours, there are many reputable operators who arrange walking holidays in Greece

By Fred Mawer

1:07PM GMT 29 Jan 2009

Cultural tours

Our selection

Leading archaeological tours specialist Andante Travels (01722 713800, www.andantetravels.co.uk ) has seven Greek itineraries this year - new are a tall ship cruise run in conjunction with wine specialist Arblaster and Clarke, and a week’s gentle exploration of the Cycladean island of Melos (or Milos).

Westminster Classic Tours (020 8286 7842, www.westminsterclassictours.com ) specialises in relaxing, cultural boat tours by Turkish gulet. Two new tours this year focus on little-visited Greek islands in the south-east Aegean, and there’s also a new land-based exploration of Crete.

Sailing and watersports

Greece’s safe waters and sheltered bays are ideal for sailing, and companies offer flotilla holidays - you sail within a little fleet - bareboat and skippered charters, and watersports-oriented clubs.

Our selection

Leading sailing specialist Sunsail (0844 463 6701, www.sunsail.co.uk) has one shore-based club in Greece - Vounaki - in a sheltered bay opposite Lefkada (excellent learning to sail conditions, and good childcare), and operates flotillas from three Greek bases. Guideline adult prices for a week in early June, including flights: £850 half board at Club Vounaki; £570 on an Ionian flotilla with full boat occupancy, excluding meals.

Also consider Sailing Holidays (020 8459 8787, www.sailingholidays.com), a long-established Greek flotilla holiday specialist, with options in the Ionian islands and around the Saronic Gulf.

Walking and activity holidays

Most organised land-based activity holidays in Greece take the form of walking breaks - either in a guided group, or independently, with maps provided. The mountainous areas on the mainland and in Crete offer taxing possibilities, but there are also lots of less challenging alternatives.

Our selection

Headwater (01606 720199, www.headwater.com) has well-constructed independent walking holidays in western Crete, Samos and Lesbos, and a guided itinerary exploring the best of the Peloponnese.